From the glittering lights of Paris to the Mediterranean flair of Barcelona, the "Highlights of France and Barcelona" tour invites experienced travelers on a 10-day odyssey through France and Spain. Stroll the elegant gardens of the Loire Valley’s châteaux, share a meal with local hosts, and feel the pulse of Avignon’s iconic squares. The journey continues along the French Riviera to the vibrant streets of Barcelona and the historic charm of Carcassonne. With an easy activity rating, this tour is ideal for those who savor relaxed sightseeing and rich cultural experiences. The package includes comfortable accommodation, meals, transportation, and insightful guides. What distinguishes this trip is its sensory feast—a carefully crafted itinerary that blends iconic landmarks with intimate local encounters, ensuring every moment is filled with French and Spanish joie de vivre.
day 1Welcome to Paris
Glittering Paris is your launchpad for an epic adventure through the highlights of France and magnificent Barcelona. Spend your first day in the 'City of Light' exploring the art, architecture and culture of this romantic city on your own. Visit a renowned gallery, shop up a storm or relax in manicured gardens watching the world go by. Later, join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a dinner and orientation drive past some of the city's most impressive sights, including the grand Champs-lyses and Arc de Triomphe.
Meals
Dinner
Location Visited
Paris
Accommodation
Courtyard Paris Porte de Versailles
day 2Explore the Sights of Paris
day 3Chartres and Chteaux in the Loire Valley
day 4Onwards to Lyon
day 5Journey to Papal Avignon and on to the French Riviera
day 6Enjoy Monaco and the Cote d'Azur
day 7Off to Colourful Arles and Carcassonne
day 8Pass the Pyrenees to Barcelona
day 9Discover Lively Barcelona
day 10Journey Home
10 daysDuration
Group TourJoin a group of travelers
48 peopleMaximum group size
5 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Easy
Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.
Good to Know
Travel Insurance
Visa
Other Practical Information
Availability
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D
Dan M.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
Loved Avignon, Arles, St. Paul de Venice. Amazed by the Dali Museum in Figueres. Awed by La Sagrada Família in Barcelona. Disappointed by all the construction around La Rambla. Wish we could have visited Parc Guell.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
Wonderful combination of cathedrals, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and intimate visits
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
Perfect balance between planned activities and free time to explore on my own. Great value for money. Loved that they didn’t charge extra for traveling solo!
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
4.0 | Very Good
Assuming the goal of the tour is to provide a short introduction to several different regions and sites in France (and a brief glimpse of Barcelona), the itinerary is fairly well designed. I would recommend dropping Lyon from the trip, however, and 1 1/2 days in Paris is simply not enough time to get even a flavor for one of the world‘s most beautiful and iconic cities (fortunately we had additional time on our own there before the tour began).
Most of the optional excursions were well conceived and worthwhile, with the local guides being average to above average. We were surprised some very well-known attractions, such as Park Guell in Barcelona, were never even mentioned—not even as an option to visit during free time.
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
It was very interesting seeing all the different architecture. The cathedrals were beautiful. Sitting in Montmartre at an outdoor cafe having pizza and listening to a young man sing in the rain while other tourists danced and sang with him took it over the top.
Highlights
Explore Paris, Lyon, Carcassonne and Barcelona
Discover Avignon, French Riviera, Monaco and Arles
Visit Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley and the Dalí Theatre and Museum in Figueres
View Eiffel Tower and Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris, Chartres Cathedral, Château de Chambord, the Popes' Palace of Avignon, Monaco's Royal Palace and Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheatre of Arles and La Sagrada Família and Columbus Monument in Barcelona
Scenic Drive through the Loire Valley
Deluxe coach travel
Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
4-star stays
Paris: Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris on an orientation drive this evening.
Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
Chateau Chenonceau: Visit Château de Chenonceau or commonly known as 'Ladies Castle' which got its name from the many women who influenced its construction.
Chartres: Bask in the beautiful religious architecture from the 13th century as you explore the town of Chartres.
Lyon: Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through Lyon's historic centre. Ascend Fourvière hill for panoramic views of of the city below.
Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
Monaco City: See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.
Carcassonne: Explore the fortified city of Carcassonne with a Local Specialist.
Figueres: Visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, considered Salvador Dalí's last great work offering visitors real insight into his captivating world.
Barcelona: With your Local Specialist, see the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to take in some of the city's finest Modernist architecture. Journey past the beautiful façades of the Eixample district to see the exterior of Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
Villandry: Return to 17th-century France and join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a traditional three-course Tourangelle Be My Guest dinner paired with local wines.
Deluxe coach travel
Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
4-star stays
Paris: Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris on an orientation drive this evening.
Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
Chateau Chenonceau: Visit Château de Chenonceau or commonly known as 'Ladies Castle' which got its name from the many women who influenced its construction.
Chartres: Bask in the beautiful religious architecture from the 13th century as you explore the town of Chartres.
Lyon: Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through Lyon's historic centre. Ascend Fourvière hill for panoramic views of of the city below.
Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
Monaco City: See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.
Carcassonne: Explore the fortified city of Carcassonne with a Local Specialist.
Figueres: Visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, considered Salvador Dalí's last great work offering visitors real insight into his captivating world.
Barcelona: With your Local Specialist, see the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to take in some of the city's finest Modernist architecture. Journey past the beautiful façades of the Eixample district to see the exterior of Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
Villandry: Return to 17th-century France and join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a traditional three-course Tourangelle Be My Guest dinner paired with local wines.
What's Included
Accommodation
Cherrypicked hotels, all tried and trustedAll hotel tips, charges and local taxesOn occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
Meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Transport
Luxury airconditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Guide
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Others
All porterage and restaurant gratuitiesMustsee sightseeingAudio headsets for flexible sightseeingOptional Experiences and free timeHighspeed train from Barcelona to Madrid
What's Excluded
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